Deacons & The Deacon's Food Pantry

What is the Role of the Deacons at MCC Knoxville?

Our Deacons serve in support of the Senior Pastor. Their role is one of service and support. To become a Deacon, an individual must complete an intensive training program and then be approved by the pastor.

Our Current Deacons

Laura B., Jacke C., Rusty H., Mike H., Kathy H., Joe J., Randy J., Kathy R., Clarence S., Faye S., Sharon U., and Robert W. are actively serving as our deacons.

Service and Ministries

Each of our Deacons serve in one or more of the following ministries:

Worship Support

The Deacons assist the Senior Pastor in organizing the worship service. They are trained in various aspects of worship and find individuals who are willing to assist with various activities such as reading scripture, ushering, and serving communion.

Deacon's Pantry

Members and friends of MCC Knoxville bring non-perishable food items throughout the year. The Deacons organize food into boxes that are picked up by or delivered to those who need food. A food box is able to feed a family of four for a week.

In 2010, 108 food boxes were provided. 200 adults and 145 children were served a total of 3,888 meals.

In 2011, 177 food boxes were provided. 338 adults and 252 children were served a total of 6373 meals.

To ensure that the food boxes are highly nutritious, the Deacons provide a list of items needed for the Deacon's Pantry (see list below).

Benevolence Fund

The Deacon's Benevolence Fund provides short-term financial support to those in crisis. Donations are made by members and friends of MCC Knoxville in order to assist individuals in the community with emergencies such as the inability to pay for life-sustaining medications, loss of home, loss of transportation to and from work, etc. The Deacons follow established guidelines when responding to requests for emergency support.

Hospital and Other Visitations

Deacons respond to requests for visits to homes and hospitals. Deacons will bring communion as requested and are always willing to pray with those who need spiritual support.

Listening and Referrals

If you need someone to listen, ask for a Deacon. Most of the time we don't want someone to try to solve our problems for us, we just want someone to listen. Deacons are very happy to listen. They are sometimes able to offer a referral to someone who is qualified to help you with a life challenge.

Prayers

Deacons pray for individuals, the church, and the community.

Requesting Assistance

Those needing assistance from the Deacons should request it through the church office by calling 865-531-2539 (toll free 866-531-2539). See our Contact Us page for other options. Requests for assistance from the Food Pantry and Benevolence Fund are handled as supply is available.

Those wishing to submit a prayer request can do so online from our Prayer Request page. These requests are automatically forwarded by email to the Deacons and other responsible members of the church.

Deacon's Food Pantry

Priority Shopping List

The following items are currently in low supply and most needed:
(Last updated 7/14/2011)

Chicken Noodle Soup - 10.5 oz. ca

Vegetable Beef Soup - 10.5 oz. can

Stewed Tomatoes

Canned Fruit

Peanut butter

Rice

Macaroni & Cheese Dinner - 6 oz. box

Saltine Crackers (low fat) - 1 lb. box

Complete Shopping List

The Deacon's Food Pantry needs non-perishable groceries from the list below. (Minimum sizes are listed. You can get larger sizes.)

Chicken Noodle Soup - 10.5 oz. can

Tomato Soup - 10.5 oz. can

Vegetable Beef Soup - 10.5 oz. can

Stewed Tomatoes

Canned vegetables - corn, green beans, peas

Canned beans (pinto, black, kidney)

Canned Fruit

Apple Sauce

Tuna Fish or some other canned meat

Peanut butter (try for organic)

Canned pasta and meat (i.e., Beef-a-Roni)

Dry Milk

Instant Mashed Potatoes

Rice

Dry beans: Pinto, Navy, etc.

Spaghetti & Sauces

Macaroni & Cheese Dinner - 6 oz. box

Corn bread mix or muffin mix - 8.5 oz. package

Saltine Crackers (low fat) - 1 lb. box

Fruit juices or Tang

Whole Grain Cereal 14 oz. (may pick from following list: All bran, Bran Flakes, Cherrios, Corn Flakes, Wheat, Rice or Corn Chex, Grape Nuts, Cream of Wheat, Oatmeal, Shredded Wheat)

Cat & Dog Food (Dry) - adding this as an outreach for people who will cut their rations by half or more to minister to the needs of beloved pets

Anything adaptable to summer time eating habits

Note that we are unable to distribute food that has passed its expiration date or has been dented or damaged.

About Mike Irwin

The MCC Knoxville Deacon's Pantry is dedicated to the memory of Michael T. Irwin. Being a Deacon was not something Mike did, it was who he was. Mike offered a hand every single day, whether it was helping someone move or visiting someone in the hospital. Mike was passionate about our Deacon's Food Pantry. He was constantly bringing food and his bright smile to the hungry. Mike's family and friends were stunned at the hundreds and hundreds of people who attended Mike's funeral. They came from across the country and all walks of life. All said the same thing, "When I needed a helping hand, Mike Irwin was there."